Courtney R. Smith Trades Scholarship

In high school, I was asked a question that everyone has heard before “What do you want to be when you grow up?” This question used to haunt me. For a while, I was unsure of what I wanted to do as a career, especially when the future was changing and developing so rapidly. There was one thing I was sure about, a career working with my hands. I had always liked working with my hands. My favorite toys growing up were Legos. I enjoyed being able to build, destroy, and fix the structure again of my Lego sets. I wanted to find a career thats like legos. A career full of using my hands to build or fix something. I started doing more research on different careers I could do. I wanted to look for a job that was hands on, constantly moving, and something that will always be needed everywhere. Then I saw a career that matched my interests, being a plumber and HVAC technician. As I began to research this career path, I started to fall in love with this profession. HVAC and plumbing are jobs that are very hands-on, needing to work with different varieties of tools and equipment to get the job done. Most importantly, this was a chance to help people. This was perfect, this was it, this is what i want to do! I applied to BOCES my senior year for HVAC to see how I would like HVAC and to learn the basics of it. When I got into Boces, I was put into the HVAC course where I learned the baseline skills of HVAC, like low voltage wiring, working with copper, identifying parts of furnaces and more. At the start, I was completely disoriented. A ton of information was thrown at me like a stack of bricks. However, the moment I saw a live demonstration of a gas furnace turning on, my perception changed. As my teacher told the class how the furnace works, the next second, “Click, snap, woosh" and I was in awe. This was an eye opener.“ This is what I wanted to do”. I challenged myself to research and learn. Eventually, I was able to understand the new information and explain it to other people who needed help. Learning about HVAC is something that I really love, being able to identify a problem, and come up with a solution to repair it. By the time I graduated BOCES, I have learned so much trade information that I start to see things differently. Even though I just got out of high school, I already knew what I want to do as a career, a HVAC technician. Not just a HVAC technician, a HVAC technician you can trust. My dream is to go out to a job site and be able to put a smile on the customers face, every single time. When I get called out to a job site, not only do I want to be able to fix the problem for the customer, I want to teach the customer about the problem and show them how to solve it. I have seen so many videos of HVAC technicians in a company who try to scam and upcharge a customer just to make a quick buck. This has never sat right with me, I will not stand for this! I want walk the customer step by step of the problem, and if there is a simple fix like replacing a bad capacitor, changing a filter, or a trip in a breaker, I want to show them what to do in the future. Whenever I tell people I want to do HVAC, I get a lot of “ HVAC? Thats good money”. For me, I want to help people and make their day better. I want to help people that don’t have the money in their budget if something goes wrong with their AC. My goal is to help the community, one home at a time. I am currently attending SUNY Delhi for their HVAC and plumbing programs, and I am currently having so much fun learning new stuff. My favorite part is learning about the tools used in the field and how to use them. Tools like wire strippers, tweezers, chanologs, screwdrivers, drills, benders, copper cutters, solder, braze, swage, and more, fill me with so much joy. Not only do I have these tools for my labs, but I will have these tools for the field. Scholarships really help to buy tools and personal protective gear. I know HVAC tools could get a little pricy, but there are some tools that can take away like three steps for a project, making for faster completion. At the end of the day, I generally can’t wait to start work, so I can help people solve problems together, and put a smile on their face.

Being able to pursue a dream you envision and striving for something dear to your heart is something many people aren’t able to do. Whether they are in direct control or not, the capability to achieve a dream is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. That is why I count myself fortunate to be able to learn to use my abilities in a refined way. Monetary contribution to my studies will not only lighten the load of the money I must pay back but also serve as a catalyst to help me chip away at achieving my goals. As I am at the beginning of my entry into the construction field, I understand that I have a long way to go until I master my craft and become fully versatile. Studying under a master and learning the trade of thinking within and visualizing outward is priceless. Mr. Waddell is a grumpy old man, but he loves what he does and enjoys it to the fullest. He may get irritated when you ask a basic question, or any question for that matter, but then he’ll take his time and explain things slowly. One thing about Waddell is that he watches you work, identifies your inefficiencies, and aims to address them in the workshop by focusing on practice and technique. On the other hand, if you watch him quietly, you’ll see him formulating angles and positioning foundations in his mind before translating those thoughts into physical space. I want to pass on that same know-how and technique to younger people who come from the same place of scarce opportunity as I do. Showing adolescents the possibilities and encouraging them to take chances on achieving something they never thought they could do is crucial. Opening a woodworking shop in my community will help achieve these goals. It will provide a safe space for children to learn, share, and experience everything in a positive and supportive environment. Steve Francis, the legendary former NBA player, visited my school to understand what was happening in class. His end goal was to fund the opening of an Apex school in Houston to help kids stay on the right path. After speaking with him and gaining insights, I saw how the right placement of resources can make a significant difference. Being able to give back and show people what can be done inspired me to pursue opening and franchising community woodworking and household maintenance skills for underprivileged youth, giving them competence and a sense of belonging in a world that often tries to marginalize them. My father has been a carpenter for the past 50 years. My motivation to get up every morning and head to school to learn about what he does comes from watching him provide for our family. Being a firsthand beneficiary of his work was eye-opening once I understood the scope of what he did. I’ve always been kinetically adept, with excellent hand-eye coordination, great spatial awareness, good recall, and a love for numbers. Initially, I wasn’t sure if this journey would be fulfilling, but after recognizing that my skills were well-suited for carpentry, I became certain that I was pursuing something truly rewarding. I believe my drive to embrace challenges and learn from mistakes sets me apart from other candidates. Wanting to fail or even aiming to fail can be a great learning tool when dealing with conditions that change outcomes. My teachers often spoke about moving forward while remembering past mistakes. Mr. Lecator, my first teacher, used to say, "These kids don’t know the difference between a rock and a hammer when they get here." And he was right. Despite their initial lack of knowledge, these students proved themselves worthy of passing Mr. Lecator’s class through trial and error, never forgetting that the purpose of the institution is to learn and be comfortable with not always having the answers but uncomfortable with staying uneducated on the topic. Mr. Lecator taught me this, and I am confident that this character trait will lead me to bright horizons.

Crafting Connection: A Graphic Design Odyssey with the Courtney R. Smith Trades Scholarship In the vast landscape of graphic design, the Courtney R. Smith Trades Scholarship emerges as a guiding force, transcending its role as financial aid to become a beacon of empowerment, community advancement, and a platform for my fervent passion for visual storytelling. How will this scholarship assist you with your studies? The pivotal cornerstone of success in graphic design is creativity. The Courtney R. Smith Trades Scholarship, beyond being a financial lifeline, lays the foundation for my educational journey, ensuring that financial constraints do not shackle my creative exploration. With this invaluable support, I can invest in cutting-edge software, participate in workshops, and access resources that not only amplify my technical skills but foster an environment where creativity knows no bounds. How will you use this scholarship to advance your community and your chosen field? Graphic design, to me, is not confined to the realm of pixels and vectors; it's a dynamic vehicle for community expression. Empowered by the Courtney R. Smith Trades Scholarship, I aspire to initiate projects that transcend the conventional boundaries of design. This scholarship empowers me to infuse art into community narratives, collaborating on local initiatives, amplifying unheard voices, and contributing to community-building endeavors. It envisions a visually enriched and empowered society, where graphic design becomes a catalyst for positive change and inclusivity. Volunteer Efforts with My Church: My dedication to community advancement extends beyond the digital canvas and seamlessly integrates with my volunteer efforts at my church. In one memorable scenario, a special event aimed at bridging generations and fostering unity unfolded. Recognizing the power of visual representation, I envisioned a custom-designed poster that would serve as a visual storyteller, capturing the essence of togetherness. Drawing on my graphic design skills, I crafted a vibrant masterpiece that seamlessly blended elements from different eras, symbolizing the rich tapestry of our church community. As the event unfolded, the impact of this scenario became palpable. Attendees, spanning various age groups, approached the poster with curiosity and delight. It became a focal point for conversations, sparking reminiscences among the older generation and igniting curiosity among the younger attendees. The poster transformed from a mere visual guide for the event to a catalyst for shared stories, laughter, and genuine connections. This scenario underscored the potential of graphic design to go beyond aesthetics – it became a tool for building bridges, fostering connections, and amplifying the message of community support. The experience fueled my commitment to the intersection of graphic design and community engagement, reinforcing the belief that thoughtful visuals can be a catalyst for positive change. What are some of your motivations to pursue this field? The allure of graphic design lies in its remarkable ability to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, serving as a universal language. My motivation for pursuing this field emanates from a deep-seated desire to communicate, provoke thought, and inspire change through visual storytelling. In much the same way as Mr. Courtney R. Smith's dedication to electrical engineering left an indelible mark on the world, I envision my graphic design journey as a medium to leave a legacy of creativity, inspiration, and connectivity. What makes you stand out from other candidates? Distinguishing myself goes beyond mere proficiency in graphic design; it encompasses a profound commitment to using this skill as a catalyst for community betterment. My portfolio is not merely a showcase of designs; it's a testament to my dedication to using graphic design as a tool to bridge gaps, foster inclusivity, and bring about positive change. Conclusion: Crafting a Visual Legacy In conclusion, the Courtney R. Smith Trades Scholarship is not a mere financial boost; it's a recognition of the transformative power that graphic design holds. Lighting the way, I envision a future where my graphic design journey becomes a canvas for community advancement, breaking barriers, and leaving a visual legacy that aligns with the scholarship's mission to foster education and transferable skills. As I embark on this graphic design odyssey, the scholarship is not just an investment in my education; it's an investment in the potential of graphic design to be a force for positive change. With each stroke of the digital pen, I am committed to unveiling the latent potential within me, using my skills to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of my community and beyond, all while drawing inspiration from the spirit of volunteerism that fuels my journey.